Gov’t dispatches soldiers to maintain peace in Nkonya, Alavanyo

A contingent of military personnel has been dispatched to Nkonya and Alavanyo in the Volta Region to maintain peace.

The soldiers who come from the Southern Command will ensure there is no escalation of hostilities between the two communities.

Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery told Joy News the move is to avert further outbreak of violence and to ensure the protection of lives and properties.

Residents of Nkonya and Alavanyo are disputing over a land covering an area of 6,459.82 acres that experts say is fertile for agrarian purposes, rich in timber and alleged to have deposits of gold, clay and mercury.

Two residents were shot dead, with two others sustaining gun shot wounds at Nkonya in the renewed violence between the two communities Wednesday.

The attack happened minutes after the Interior Ministry reviewed the curfew imposed in the area.

The Police in the Region have begun investigations into the matter.

Government has said it is considering a forceful acquisition of the disputed land to bring a lasting solution to the 100-year hostilities between the two communities.

Dr Letsa has said the two factions have indicated their preparedness to release the land for use by the state.

This suggestion has been supported by the National Peace Council who is recommending government use it for developmental purpose that will benefit residents.

Council’s chairman, Professor Emmanuel Asante told JOYNEWS that is the surest way to end the conflict which has claimed many lives in the two communities.

But Mr Dery warns, anyone found culpable in the recent disturbances would not be spared.